Basketball is at the pinnacle of sports entertainment in the world today. It has been around for over a century now and has gone through many changes since it was first invented in 1891. This article will take you through a brief history of the sport, from its humble beginnings to its current global success. We’ll discuss how basketball came to be, how the rules have changed, and some of the famous figures that have shaped the game over time.
Basketball’s Origins
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, but where did it all start? In 1891, a Canadian physical education instructor by the name of James Naismith, invented the game of basketball. He created the game as a way to keep his students active during the winter months when outdoor activities were limited. Naismith’s first version of the game involved two peach baskets and a soccer ball.
The first official basketball game was played on December 21st, 1891 at a YMCA gymnasium in Springfield, Massachusetts. The game consisted of nine players on each team and was won by a score of 1-0. The early rules were very different from what we have today – players weren’t allowed to dribble the ball or take more than three steps before passing or shooting. Over time, basketball became more popular and spread throughout the United States and beyond.
Evolution of the Rules
One of the most significant changes to the sport came in 1932 when the number of players on each team was reduced from nine to five. This change made it easier for players to move around the court and created more opportunities for scoring. Another notable change came in 1954 when a shot clock was introduced to prevent teams from running down the clock without taking shots.
Over time, as basketball grew more popular and competitive, new rules were introduced to improve gameplay and make matches more exciting for both players and spectators alike, such as the addition of a three-point line. The sports also became famous under bettors, who engaged in basketball betting.
Global Expansion
From China to Europe, basketball has become a global phenomenon. The rise in popularity can be attributed to many factors such as the internet and social media platforms, but it’s mainly due to its ability to transcend language and cultural barriers. The NBA has played a significant role in expanding the game internationally with their annual Global Games series, which brings NBA teams overseas to play against international teams.
This exposure not only allows for cultural exchange but also provides a platform for young players from around the globe to showcase their skills on an international stage. However, it’s not just about professional basketball as local communities have embraced the sport too. Many countries have developed their own domestic leagues and national teams who compete in international tournaments like FIBA World Cup and Olympics.
Impact on Society
Basketball is more than just a sport. It has become an integrated part of society and has impacted people in many ways. From the NBA to street games, basketball is everywhere, and it’s not hard to see how it has influenced culture. One of the most significant impacts that basketball has had on society is its ability to bring people together. The sport transcends race, gender, and socioeconomic status, creating a sense of community among players and fans alike.
Basketball has also affected society through its role as a form of entertainment. The NBA alone generates billions of dollars each year through ticket sales, merchandise, basketball betting and TV deals. People tune in from all over the world to watch their favorite teams compete at the highest level.
Women’s Basketball
The WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) is a professional basketball league that showcases some of the best female basketball players in the world. Women’s basketball got its start in the United States in 1892, just one year after James Naismith invented the game. The first women’s game was played at Smith College in Massachusetts, and from there it quickly spread to other colleges and universities across the country.
Conclusion: A Growing Legacy
Basketball has had a profound impact since its beginnings in the late 1800s. From being a simple game played by students at Springfield College to becoming one of the most popular sports in the world, basketball has cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon. Today, millions of people around the globe watch and play basketball, from local community courts to professional arenas.
The sport’s success can be attributed to many factors – from the iconic players who have graced the court over time, such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James, to the countless fans who support their favorite teams with fervor. But beyond that, basketball has also transcended geography, race, and culture to become a unifying force for many today.
One of the challenges of having a loved one in prison is keeping track of their location and status. As of January 2023, there are more than 2 million inmates in prison in the United States, and it’s not an easy task to always be on top of where someone is. This is especially true when you factor in rotations and transfers.
That’s where prison lookup services come in – to help families, legal representatives and other such folks stay informed and connected with inmates.
What Are Prison Lookup Services?
Prison lookup services are online databases that provide information about inmates currently incarcerated in state, federal, and county prisons. These services provide all sorts of information about the inmate. From name and identification number to their race, gender and location. Some services also include other information, like the reason for detainment, sentencing, release date and criminal history.
Why Use Prison Lookup Services?
Quick Access to Information
One of the benefits of using prison lookup services is that they provide quick and easy access to information about an incarcerated person. This can be especially useful for family members of inmates, who may not have regular contact with their loved ones due to distance or lack of visitation opportunities.
With prison lookup services, even if you don’t get to see the person in question, you do get to stay informed on where they are, their status and any changes in their sentencing.
Narrowing Down The Search
If you know which prison an inmate is in, and want to stay on top of their sentencing and release date, or even just to make sure that they haven’t been transferred, prison lookup services also allow you to search by prison.
For example, the Crittenden County Jail Roster holds all the information on inmates in the Crittenden County Jail in Arkansas. If you know that the inmate you’re seeking is here, the search becomes a lot easier. All you have to do is head over to the database and make the search.
Connection
Another advantage of using prison lookup services is that they can help families and loved ones stay connected with their incarcerated loved ones.
Some – but not all! – lookup services go beyond just a database, and offer features such as email, or messaging that allow families to communicate with their loved ones even if they are unable to visit in person.
This can help make the family members feel better, and also works as a tool to help incarcerated individuals feel less isolated.
Providing Information on the Criminal Justice System
Prison lookup services aren’t just about incarcerated individuals – they can also help provide info about the criminal justice system itself. This is useful for family members who may not know where to start with their research.
These services can provide information on the legal process, sentencing guidelines and other such aspects. This helps the family members understand the challenges faced during the legal process, and can thus work better to advocate for their loved ones.
Limitations of Prison Lookup Services
Of course, prison lookup services do have limitations, so they may not always be the solution to finding an incarcerated individual.
Lack of Access
Not all states and facilities make inmate information publicly available, and some services may only provide limited information or charge fees for access to certain features. In some cases, they may only allow information access to organizations such as law enforcement or victim advocacy groups. This could be due to security of privacy concerns, or institutional policies.
In such cases, you may need help from such organizations, or go through the state corrections department to find your inmate.
Inaccurate Information
Sometimes, prison lookup services aren’t accurate, either. This may be because of outdated information, human error, or technical glitches. Prison lookup services rely on data that comes from correctional facilities, so if the information present here is inaccurate, the information you find on the database will reflect that.
This can get very confusing and frustrating, and can take quite a bit of time for rectification.
Lack of Human Interaction
Prison lookup services are typically automated. This means that users don’t have the opportunity to speak with a live person to ask questions or clarify information.
This can easily get frustrating for anyone who is looking for more personalized support, or is unable to find certain information that they would typically be able to find on a prison lookup database.
Technical Issues
Like any other online service, prison lookup services can experience technical problems or glitches that can keep users from accessing information or cause errors in the information provided. In such cases, you’ll likely have to wait until these are resolved, or go through the state corrections department to find your inmate.
Prison lookup services are, for the most part, very helpful in keeping track of inmates. While they come with limitations like any other service, they can serve their purpose quite well, and are easy and intuitive to use.
In 2023, Instagram remains one of the most popular social media platforms for businesses looking to build a brand following. However, the popularity of a platform doesn’t equate to easy and immediate success when trying to market or grow your brand to such an audience.
With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram provides businesses with a massive audience to reach out to. However, with so many businesses vying for attention on the platform, it can be difficult to stand out and gain new Instagram followers, while also creating and scheduling new content.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to successfully build a brand following on Instagram in 2023, while also providing actionable tips and statistics to help in the process.
Consistently Create and Share Engaging Content
One of the most important factors in building a brand following on Instagram is gaining new followers daily. This means consistently creating and sharing engaging content that resonates with your target audience.
To do this, it’s important to have a clear understanding of who your target audience is and what kind of content they are interested in. Use Instagram analytics to track your engagement and see what kind of content is resonating with your audience.
According to HubSpot, as of 2021, Instagram has over 1 billion monthly active users, with 90% of those users following at least one business account. Additionally, over 200 million Instagram users visit at least one business profile daily. This means that there is a huge potential audience for businesses to reach out to on Instagram.
Optimize Your Profile
Your Instagram profile is the first thing that potential followers will see when they come across your account. It’s important to have a complete and visually appealing profile that accurately represents your brand.
Use a high-quality profile picture that reflects your brand’s personality, and write a compelling bio that tells visitors what your brand is all about.
Don’t forget to include a link to your website or other social media profiles in your bio.
Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags are a powerful way to increase your reach and attract new followers to your account. Use relevant hashtags that are related to your niche and target audience.
According to Blogging.org, Instagram posts with 11 or more hashtags receive the most engagement. However, it’s important to use hashtags that are relevant to your content and not just popular hashtags that may not be relevant to your brand.
Engage with Your Followers
Engaging with your followers is an important part of building a loyal community around your brand. Respond to comments and direct messages, and show your followers that you value their input.
According to Hubspot, Instagram accounts with high engagement rates tend to have a higher number of followers and a higher likelihood of reaching the Explore page. This means that engaging with your followers can help to increase your visibility on the platform and attract new followers.
Collaborate with Other Businesses and Influencers
Collaborating with other businesses and influencers in your niche is a great way to reach new audiences and gain more followers. Look for opportunities to collaborate with other businesses and influencers, and use Instagram’s tagging and mention features to give them credit and increase your exposure.
It’s also mentioned on HubSpot, that as of 2021, 81% of businesses on Instagram use influencer marketing as a way to reach their target audience.
Run Contests and Giveaways
Running contests and giveaways is another effective way to increase engagement and attract new followers to your account. Create contests and giveaways that align with your brand and offer prizes that your target audience will be interested in.
As of 2021, Instagram accounts that run contests and giveaways grow their follower base 70% faster than those that don’t.
Use Instagram Ads
Instagram ads are a powerful way to increase your reach and attract new followers to your account. Use Instagram’s targeting features to reach your ideal audience, and create ads that are visually appealing and aligned with your brand.
Instagram ads have a higher click-through rate than Facebook ads, making them a great way to drive traffic to your website or other social media profiles.
Getting the Most Out of Your Instagram Efforts
In conclusion, building a brand following on Instagram in 2023 requires a multi-faceted approach that includes creating engaging content, using the right hashtags, engaging with your followers, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and features, optimizing your profile for search engines, collaborating with other businesses and influencers, running contests and giveaways, and using Instagram ads. By following these tips and staying committed to your strategy, you can successfully build a loyal following on Instagram and grow your business over time.
Living with chronic pain can be a daily struggle. Sometimes, dealing with pain’s physical and emotional effects may seem overwhelming. However, there are natural ways to reduce your suffering and take control over your own life again. In this blog post, we will discuss different methods to relieve chronic pain and learn how to live happier despite ongoing discomfort from an illness or condition. In addition, we’ll look at various treatments like diet changes and supplements that are proven to provide long-term benefits for those living with chronic conditions.
Additionally, we’ll explore practical activities such as mindfulness practices and exercise routines explicitly tailored for those in pain primary care services that can work together to help manage symptoms more effectively than relying on medications alone. We hope this post provides valuable tips, so you become empowered to make lifestyle changes necessary for managing long-term health problems. If you want immediate relief, visit medambien and get pain-relieving medicines at your doorstep.
What is pain, and how to deal with it?
Pain can arise from various causes and is experienced differently by everyone. It can be temporary, caused by a traumatic event, or develop over time due to arthritis and fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, many take medication to treat pain, which can cause side effects that compound the problem. Therefore, the holistic approach to treating pain is an attractive option. Holistic treatments include lifestyle changes such as exercise, yoga, improved nutrition, acupuncture, massage therapy and more to bring about a complete shift in well-being rather than masking pain with drugs. Such natural solutions can aid in reducing physical discomfort while helping those suffering from chronic pain learn how to manage their condition better over time. In addition, by working with health care providers to devise an individualised plan, this alternative treatment method offers hope of restoring quality of life without sacrificing overall health.
Do Exercises
Finding solutions can seem daunting for those experiencing chronic pain; however, exercises are an effective and natural way to treat painful areas. These exercises should be tailored to the specific area in which pain is felt, as different body areas require different exercise approaches. Determining a safe method for each situation is essential to avoid further damage. First, talk with your doctor to find out what movements and activities can benefit the area where you experience pain. Then, you can use targeted exercises to overcome pain and increase mobility through mindful training and continuous practice.
Foods Can Help
Eating certain foods can have a positive effect on managing pain. Many natural products are proven to have medicinal qualities, and introducing them into your diet can help reduce symptoms associated with pain. Foods such as peppers, garlic, pineapple, ginger and turmeric contain natural compounds that aid in controlling inflammation and pain. Their active properties are as effective as pharmaceutical remedies but without the potential side effects of over-the-counter medicines. Incorporate these superfoods into your routine to relieve painful symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Use Natural Herbal Remedies
Natural herbal remedies can provide a viable alternative to taking medication to treat pain. These natural solutions contain herbs, roots and other plant-based elements that are found in nature, providing a holistic way of healing. The added benefit is that these herbal remedies can address the underlying causes of your pain, leading to longer-term relief. In addition, by utilising natural sources with proven effects to alleviate your symptoms, you can enjoy a better quality of life free from the side effects which traditional medication may cause. With both efficacy and safety as top priorities, natural herbals have become increasingly popular among those seeking ways to reduce their dependence on drugs while healthily managing their pain.
Take help from Relaxation Techniques
Stress and anxiety can heavily affect our lives. However, incorporating simple relaxation techniques into your daily routine can dramatically reduce your stress and anxiety. For example, taking regular breaks throughout the day for some calming meditation or stretching exercises can go a long way to reducing feelings of stress. Practising mindfulness by paying close attention to what’s happening in the present moment is another effective method that can help us manage stress levels. Techniques ensure our mental well-being is handled, helping us find natural solutions to treat our pain and live happier lives.
Do Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness practices can be a powerful ally in improving quality of life. Developing a regular meditation practice can support physical and emotional health, as well as cultivate greater peace of mind, resilience and focus. Mindfulness helps us to observe thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations as they arise rather than engaging with them. Mindfulness practices create an opportunity to be more conscious of our triggers and make more informed decisions about how we want to respond in various situations. By learning to work with the mind through mindfulness practices, we become better equipped to handle difficult emotions along the journey to optimal well-being.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the holistic approach to treating pain provides potential relief that could improve quality of life. Not only can exercises aid in strengthening weakened muscles, but certain foods such as ginger or turmeric can also help relieve pain symptoms caused by inflammation and reduce flare-ups. Natural herbal remedies are also a great alternative to managing pain without the side effects of certain medications. Finally, relaxation techniques like yoga or mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and anxiety levels when dealing with chronic illnesses, ultimately improving happiness over time. With these natural solutions to consider when trying to ease pain and discomfort, people can take control of their healing process and live healthier lifestyles.
Bucking crypto industry headwinds, Ledger now secures more than 20 percent of the world’s digital assets and 30 percent of the world’s NFTs with zero hacks ever.
Ledger crosses 6 million Nanos sold, as market concerns heighten demand for uncompromising security.
Investment comes on the heels of its new breakthrough product launch, Ledger Stax, designed by Tony Fadell, builder of the iPod & iPhone, and Nest co-founder.
Singapore – True Global Ventures (TGV) invests over US$24 million (over €22 million) into Ledger, the leading global platform for digital assets and Web3. This funding will enable Ledger to further its global ambitions and accelerate its drive to becoming a truly desirable consumer technology brand.
This Series C extension round maintains the same valuation of €1.3 billion. The valuation reflects confidence from investors in Ledger despite macroeconomic and industry-specific headwinds. It is backed by a number of existing and new investors, including True Global Ventures, 10T and Molten Ventures (formerly Draper Esprit) who are members and observers of the Supervisory Board. FirstMark Capital from previous rounds is also an observer of the Supervisory Board.
Ledger currently secures more than 20 percent of the world’s cryptocurrencies and over 30 percent of the world’s NFTs. In December, the company announced its latest device, Ledger Stax, with a unique design from Ledger adviser Tony Fadell, builder of the iPod, iPhone, and co-founder of Nest.
True Global Ventures came out with the 5 Web3 megatrends for 2023, which were very well received by the global investor community. Within one of the Megatrends, TGV believes that the 3 decentralization winners for 2023 are: Self-custody, Bitcoin, DeFi.
“Traditional Finance” (TradFi) firms like Institutional Custodians and Investment Advisors, etc are accelerating their efforts to work more closely with Ledger which provides best-in-class enterprise security solutions, including the only secure governance layer for enterprise self-custody. This includes Komainu, a hybrid custodian solution set up as a joint venture between Nomura and Ledger. Also, Coinhouse, a leading French regulated exchange and portfolio company of True Global Ventures, offers Ledger Enterprise as a custodian solution for their clients.
Dušan Stojanović, Founding Partner of True Global Ventures comments:
“Why do we believe that Ledger will play a critical role for the foreseeable future, both on retail self-custody as well as on the enterprise-institutional side with solutions like Komainu, the JV between Nomura and Ledger?”
“There are 3 reasons. Firstly, during the last 9 months, we have seen major crashes with Terra-LUNA and FTX. In both instances, there has been a ‘flight to secure’ assets safely. Secondly, now with 3 U.S. and 1 European bank being closed and saved either by regulators or competitors, there has been a ‘flight to Bitcoin’, attracting new flows where users need to have a secure solution, when increasing their exposure to Bitcoin. Thirdly, this is the fourth company that we have invested into that has become or is a global market leader, which we believe will benefit from a general bear market.”
“2022 was a standout year for Ledger, culminating in the launch of Ledger Stax at Ledger Op3n in Paris. I’m excited to share that we’re starting 2023 where we left off — doubling down on our mission to bring self custody to everyone,” said Pascal Gauthier, Chairman & CEO of Ledger. “We’re proud to have True Global ventures join us on our journey. Dušan and the team at True Global Ventures are seeing the rapid digital value and hardware revolution that is coming. They join a strong list of investors who believe Ledger is the gold standard.”
Ledger’s product offerings include Ledger Nano X (awarded Editor’s Choice for Best Crypto Wallet) and Ledger Nano S Plus, the best-selling hardware wallets, Ledger Live, the secure omnichain digital asset app, and Ledger Enterprise Solutions, the best enterprise-grade digital assets security solution.
Ledger has outperformed the market as people flee centralized crypto and banking solutions for self-custody, and recently crossed six million device sales, with more than 1.5 million monthly users on Ledger Live. The company has managed to infiltrate mainstream culture through partnerships with fashion brands Fendi and Hublot, and further establish its role as a leader in Web3 through partnerships with brands such as VeeFriends and Nike’s RTFKT. Ledger has come to physically represent digital value and collectibles in culture and art.
Ledger has also partnered with True Global Ventures’ portfolio company, The Sandbox, the leading Open Metaverse platform. The “School of Block” education experience in the LedgerVerse was launched with over 300,000 unique visitors and 4.6M quests completed during the Alpha Season 3 period in September 2022. It focuses on educating users on securing their digital assets while making the process fun. This initiative was popular and they also relaunched it with a French flair to celebrate the French Weeks now till April 6th, 2023.
This partnership has now deepened into The Sandbox offering security stack and treasury management solutions while having seamless security integration for its brand partners, powered by Ledger Enterprise to safeguard businesses’ digital assets. This makes it simpler and easier for brands to secure their LANDs while also securing the wallet containing The Sandbox NFT collection.
This latest fundraising round will allow Ledger to realize its ambitious expansion plans including Ledger Stax and future hardware innovations. Key innovations include easier onboarding and user experience in the world of Bitcoin and wallet-connected apps. Ledger, is building and providing best-in-class services for its users including buying, swapping and exploring the world of NFTs.
Ledger recently announced that Ledger Stax demand had already exceeded supply, making it the most successful product launch in the company’s history. Further inventory will be available for pre-order through drops later in Summer 2023.
Ledger Stax will also be available to purchase from our retail partners, including Best Buy in North America, alongside the Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus. Right now anyone can get the best digital asset security in the world at $80 for a Nano S Plus, with one hour pickup from Best Buy.
Ledger also recently announced the launch of the Ledger Extension, a secure browser connection that makes it easier than ever to use your Ledger device with Wallet-Connected Applications (Web3).
Dan Tapiero, board member and Founder/CIO/Managing Partner of 10T Holdings and 1RoundTable Partners, says: “10T Holdings is again excited to support Ledger in its plans for expansion and growth. Despite what was a difficult year in ’22 for most businesses in the digital asset ecosystem, Ledger stood out as one of the star performers. With the advent of Stax in Q2 we expect 2023 to be a record year for the firm.”
To learn more about Ledger, visit ledger.com, and read its latest blog posts here.
Ledger was supported by Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE who acted as sole placement agent on the transaction and by Jones Day as legal advisors.
About True Global Ventures
TGV4 Plus Follow On Fund (TGV 4 Plus FoF) completed its first closing in June 2022 for US$146m. TGV 4 Plus FoF General Partners (GP)’s who lead the fund and its Investment Committee, invests more than US$62m of their money into the fund. This represents a total GP commitment of over 40% of the total fund size, one of the highest in the Venture Capital industry..
TGV 4 Plus FoF focuses on investing a majority of its capital into selected TGV 4 Plus base fund companies. Some of the existing portfolio companies include The Sandbox, Animoca Brands, Forge Global, Coinhouse, Chromaway, GCEX, etc. Portfolio companies leverage web3 technologies (such as Blockchain) and Artificial Intelligence (including Generative AI), incorporating them as competitive advantages to drive change with proven products.
TGV has a presence in 20 cities, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Stockholm, Paris,London, New York, San Francisco. Visit us at www.tgv4plus.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Founded in Paris in 2014, LEDGER is a global platform for digital assets and Web3. Ledger is already the world leader in Critical Digital Asset security and utility. With more than 6M devices sold to consumers in 200 countries and 10+ languages, 100+ financial institutions and brands as customers, 20 percent of the world’s crypto assets are secured, plus services supporting trading, buying, spending, earning, and NFTs. LEDGER’s products include: Ledger Stax, Nano S Plus, Nano X hardware wallets, LEDGER Live companion app, [ LEDGER ] Market™, the world’s first secure-minting and first-sale distribution platform, and Ledger Enterprise. With its ease of use, LEDGER allows a user to begin investing in digital assets and ultimately, achieve financial freedom in a safe and stress-free environment.
Financier and economist Peter Schiff had some stark warnings for the market this week as he warned that imminent inflation could wipe out the savings of millions.
Talking to TraderTV, Schiff stated that the current banking crisis are ‘not an accident’ but a direct result of the Federal Reserve having kept interest rates too low for too long, encouraging banks to fill their balance sheets with long-term treasuries which left them insolvent when interest rates hiked by 450 basis points above their target in the space of months.
Asked by host Brendan Wickens whether the Fed’s recent decision to hike rates a further quarter point might have been the worst of all possible outcomes, Schiff replied that “the Fed was more concerned about saving face – they had talked of raising rates, so didn’t want to admit they made a mistake…but it doesn’t even matter whether they hiked .25 or .50 – it won’t be enough to put out the fire of inflation, because the rates are still below the rate of inflation. So a negative interest rate is fuelling the inflation fire, it’s not putting it out.”
“But paradoxically, while the interest rates aren’t high enough to stifle inflation [directly], they are high enough to [indirectly] make it worse…since interest rates are prices – the price of money – it factors into the costs of everything else for businesses, who pass on the costs to their customers…the cost of home ownership increases too, which pushes up rents. So everything the Fed is doing, is actually pushing up consumer prices.”
Schiff emphasised the unsustainable levels of US government debt, and the circular nature of the debt funding cycle. “The too big to fail banks are insolvent too – it’s just that we won’t let them fail, so we have to print a lot of money to prevent them from failing.”
“What the fed really needs to do is change consumer behaviour. People need to spend less and save more, but instead saving is at a record low and consumer credit card debt is at a record high, so the Fed isn’t really achieving anything. And more significantly, the government continues to spend more money, the deficits are going up – and part of that is being fuelled by hiked interest rates. The more the Fed hikes rates, the bigger the deficits get, because the government has to pay higher interest – where does the government get that money? Ultimately from the Fed, and the Fed prints it. So the Fed’s attempts to fight inflation by hiking rates is creating more inflation.”
Asked whether all sequels tend to be worse than the originals – Wickens asked Schiff whether the 2023 crisis could become worse than the 2008 crisis. “Nobody wants to refer to it as a financial crisis – they’re calling it a banking crisis – why don’t they just refer to it as a financial crisis? Because they don’t want to evoke any memories of the ’08 crisis, so they’re trying to label it something else. No – this is a financial crisis.”
He added “this is not some kind of black swan we couldn’t have anticipated, this is your garden variety white swan, they’re all over the place – this is what swans look like. If we keep interest rates at zero for ten years, this is what you get, it’s no surprise.”
As the business world becomes more fast-paced and competitive, time is becoming an increasingly valuable and scarce commodity for executives and employees alike. Meetings are a necessary part of any business function, but too often they turn into unproductive time-wasters. In fact, recent research shows that unproductive meetings are not only a nuisance, but they also cost businesses serious dollars.
According to a 2019 survey by meeting scheduling app Doodle, the average executive spends approximately 23 hours per week in meetings. That’s nearly a full day taken away from more important tasks every week. What’s worse is that 25% of these meetings are considered to be a waste of time, meaning that executives are squandering nearly six hours per week in unfruitful discussion.
The cost of unproductive meetings can add up quickly. In addition to the time taken away from other important work, ineffective meetings can lead to project delays or cancellations, decreased employee engagement, and a toxic culture that can hurt recruitment and employee retention. Furthermore, meetings can be expensive in terms of technology, equipment, food, and other resources necessary to conduct them.
Another survey by software company Atlassian reveals that 91% of attendees in meetings daydream, 96% have missed a meeting while doing other work, and 73% have done something else during a meeting. This shows that a large percentage of the resources devoted to meetings is being wasted, leaving businesses with little to show for their efforts.
But what can businesses do to reduce the cost of these unproductive meetings? The answer is simple: they need to be more intentional and strategic with how they schedule and conduct them. This may mean making difficult decisions, such as cancelling a meeting if the agenda is unclear, the purpose is not well-defined, or if it is unnecessary.
One way to avoid this is to establish an effective meeting culture. Leaders should set the tone by modeling respectful behavior and setting clear expectations for the purpose and outcomes of each meeting. They should also encourage dialogue and opinions from participants and discourage unilateral decision-making.
Another key aspect of effective meetings is proper planning. This includes setting a clear agenda, defining goals and objectives for each meeting, and preparing necessary documents and materials ahead of time. It’s also important to communicate with attendees before the meeting to ensure that they are aware of the agenda and are ready to contribute.
Alongside planning, utilizing digital tools can also make meetings more productive. This includes scheduling software that can help attendees coordinate their availability, video conferencing technology that can connect remote team members, and collaboration tools that allow participants to work together on documents in real-time. This enables participants to focus on the discussion rather than the logistics of the meeting.
When meetings are conducted effectively, businesses can benefit from a more motivated and engaged workforce who are more productive, efficient, and effective in what they do. By taking steps to reduce the cost of unproductive meetings, businesses can free up time and resources to focus on more important priorities and critical projects.
Finally, it’s important to remember that meetings are just one part of a broader business function. To maximize the benefits of effective meetings, businesses should also focus on fostering a culture of innovation, empowerment, and continuous improvement. This can help to drive better decision-making, increased engagement, and positive outcomes across the entire organization.
In conclusion, unproductive meetings are a serious business cost that affects both the bottom line and the overall health of an organization. Fortunately, businesses can take steps to avoid this by establishing a culture of respect and accountability, preparing thoroughly, utilizing effective digital tools, and prioritizing more important work. By doing so, businesses can save time and resources, and build a more engaged and productive workforce.
Ukrainian businessman Vitaly Kropachov, owner of Ukrdoninvest Group, answered questions from journalists representing Austrian business media. The full version of the interview:
We know that you come from Eastern Ukraine. Where exactly are you from?
I was born in Torez, Donetsk region. Unfortunately, today this city is better known in the world not for its industrial potential, but for the shooting down of the Boeing passenger flight MH17. Until 2014, before the armed aggression began, I lived in this city with my family and ran a successful business. But due to my civil position, I was forced to leave this city and moved to Kiev.
Have you ever thought about settling in some other country in the world instead of moving to Kiev?
No, never. The only thing is that in 2014 there was a feeling that this move would not last long and we would come back after a short period of time.
We certainly understand how difficult the current economic situation in Ukraine is, but we would still like to hear from you what you consider to be the most difficult problem for business.
It is difficult to single out one problem, it is more correct to speak about the set of problems that every business in Ukraine has faced since the start of last year. What are we facing first of all? First, a large number of enterprises operate in close proximity to territories where active combat actions are taking place and are at direct risk of shelling. Second, an overwhelming number of industrial enterprises are experiencing difficulties in obtaining energy supplies and supplies of electricity, gas and water. Infrastructure remains the main target of shelling and missile launches, and its damage makes it very difficult for businesses to operate stably. Production chains are disrupted, production volumes fall, and logistics issues are hampered. But even with all these problems, the biggest challenge for business remains the return of people. Virtually everyone is facing a labour shortage. And we can judge this not only on the basis of general statistical data or someone’s reports, but also subjectively – from the work of our own enterprises. Again, businesses are short of a very large number of people.
Are you talking about people who were forced to leave Ukraine for various reasons and now live in other parts of the world, including the European Union? Wouldn’t it all come down to the “war is over – Ukrainians have returned home” scheme?
This is a more difficult question. Paradoxically, Ukraine may face competition for Ukrainians who have left. And we will have to compete with developed European countries. After all, what happened this year? It is clear that at the beginning European countries saw the influx of people from Ukraine as a purely humanitarian problem. They were busy providing them with everything they needed, financial, social and medical assistance as soon as possible. But a year went by and it turned out that Ukrainians integrated into local economies, becoming full-fledged residents of European countries. Having gained the right to work, Ukrainians began to work and pay taxes. They fueled the consumer market and compensated for the lack of labor force in the EU. They occupied certain niches which were not occupied by labour force from other countries and received decent wages.
So now European countries will fight to keep Ukrainians in their countries?
Yes, exactly. I think that European countries will fight to keep Ukrainians. Moreover, I think that economic indicators of the last year have opened eyes of many people, and such competition has already started. The EU countries are now beginning to understand what this means for GDP and the general state of their economies. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) figures, the additional contribution of Ukrainians to annual GDP growth in such countries as Poland, the Czech Republic and Estonia exceeded 1.2%, while in Slovakia, Romania, Lithuania and Latvia it was 0.8%. It is a lot.
In economic terms, we are entering a competition for the right to host a highly qualified, highly educated workforce. People who speak foreign languages, who share European values, who understand what the conditional “cultural code of Europe” consists of. These are the people whose children start attending local European schools. And tomorrow they will enter prestigious European universities. The more important task for Ukraine is to find incentives for them to return home.
What does Ukraine need to do to ensure Ukrainians return home?
This question will be a challenge for our country – as part of the post-war economic recovery, Ukraine will have to go through the basic processes all over again – creating jobs, ensuring decent wages. We will manage, but the process will not be easy. Moreover, it will be quite painful for both sides – both for the countries where our people have found themselves today and for Ukraine, which will need to seek incentives for its citizens to return home. By the way, the post-war reconstruction process can create incentives for Ukraine to address the broader issue of ensuring the return of not only those who left after February 24, but also Ukrainians who have been residing in other countries for a longer period of time. Ukrainians are a very large nation, over 65 million of us around the world. In the process of post-war reconstruction there will be jobs for everyone, and it will create favorable conditions for rapid economic development.
What opportunities do you personally see as an entrepreneur to bring people back? By what means can you attract people back?
I see two approaches. The first approach is to solve the problem, the second approach is to eliminate the problem. To solve this problem, in addition to security, people need to be offered a decent job, decent wages, and to solve everyday issues, of which for many people, unfortunately, the main one is the lack of housing. Today we have already launched a pilot project in Kyiv region. Under this project, residential complexes will be immediately combined with production facilities. Thus, people will get both jobs and housing.
What will such people do, and under what conditions will they be able to participate in this project?
We are mainly talking about light industry and agricultural production – farms, greenhouses. We are interested in giving a second life to those enterprises, whose products will definitely be in demand even after the European markets are opened. And the housing stock will be distributed under contractual obligations. People will have to work with us for some time under a contract.
Will you be attracting government funding?
No, there are no plans to raise state funds for this project. There are only private funds and a great desire to get people back and to restore destroyed or temporarily dysfunctional enterprises.
Your project is a way to solve the problem of Ukrainians returning home. But you talked about another approach that would remove the problem. What exactly did you have in mind?
Officially Ukraine is not a member of NATO, but in fact we receive armaments according to NATO standards, our military and doctors are trained according to NATO standards, we are invited to official meetings of NATO governing bodies. Also Ukraine is not formally a member of the EU, but in fact we are finalizing harmonization of legislation by EU standards, and the vast majority of our citizens are in favor of the country’s soonest accession to the EU. So maybe it’s time to remove the question of where Ukrainians should live better? Isn’t it time to put an equal sign between Ukraine and the EU? Maybe this will automatically remove the issue of return from the agenda, and it will simply disappear? And most importantly – we know perfectly well what to do and how to protect our interests. The action plan is simple – to ensure the admission of Ukrainian companies to the European markets, to fulfill all the clauses of the Association Agreement, to ensure the attraction of investment not in the raw materials sector, but in the processing and high value-added sectors.
We have the impression that talk of reconstruction is more focused on the eastern regions of Ukraine, although the western regions are safer and quieter, and it is also where a large number of people from other territories have moved. Isn’t there a temptation to start the reconstruction earlier by starting it from the western oblasts?
I would not say that it is calm somewhere in Ukraine today. This is a misleading opinion. Just a fortnight ago, “Daggers” were flying into the Lviv region in exactly the same way. Facilities of critical infrastructure regularly come under fire all over the country. But even without taking into account the realities of war, Eastern Ukraine or Western Ukraine is one and the same country. And it doesn’t matter where to develop your business. Enterprises of our group, for example, operate in both Lviv and Donetsk regions. We have a gas production facility in Kreminna, around which there is fierce fighting today, but in the same way we are developing our gas production business in Lviv region.
When exactly should Ukraine’s big reconstruction begin? Is it time to rebuild all the damaged facilities, since the shelling is still going on today?
No one can give an exact answer to this question. The fighting continues, industrial and infrastructure facilities continue to be attacked, and missiles are falling on factories and residential buildings as well. But while it is too early to know what the timeline is, we can already predict, at least approximately, the amount of investment needed, the amount of reconstruction work required. Calculations can be made with regard to those cities which cannot be restored to their former state. They will have to be rebuilt from scratch. Everything else will have to be rebuilt only after the end of combat activities. At the same time, speaking of more immediate tasks, the priority remains to maintain the operation of the Ukrainian energy system, including saving existing capacity and quickly repairing damaged facilities.
Given the damage to energy infrastructure and the fact that energy sector will be one of the main challenges of post-war reconstruction, will the development of alternative energy sources be considered in the future? And is there an alternative to the current capacity?
We know of at least 5-7 large projects to build wind power plants in Ukraine. Zakarpattya, Chernovtsy regions are interesting for the development of this direction. Our group of companies has a wind park project that we will start building immediately after the war. It will be constructed in Chernovtsy region. The capacity of the installations will be 75 kW. Another example is the DTEK company, which has declared the construction of a large wind farm, has completed all design works and is negotiating to attract foreign investors. The construction of solar energy facilities continues. If we forecast the near future, it is likely that Ukraine will fundamentally change its approach to electricity supply. Mini-blocks for point-to-point supply of electricity will be built and storage plant systems will be used. Certain localities will become more self-sufficient in terms of energy supply. On the positive side, a large number of projects have been launched; on the negative side, the cost of delivery of the necessary equipment makes such projects several times more expensive today.
We know that you have started work on installing charging stations for electric cars. What are the challenges of this project? Will it apply to all of Ukraine or only to certain regions?
This project concerns not only Western or Eastern Ukraine, it concerns Ukraine as a whole. Moreover, this project is not limited to Ukraine as we also plan to install such stations in Italy, Georgia and a number of other countries. In developing this project, we have taken into account that European countries will switch all public transport to electricity in 5-6 years. We view such plans very positively and understand that this is a prospect of the very near future. Today, charging stations are needed for passenger transport, tomorrow they will be used by public transport, and the day when they will serve trucks is not far off. That’s a completely different scale of charging stations construction and a completely different scale of electricity supply. And it’s all a near-future prospect. Here’s a little technical detail, just to give you an example. The most powerful stations in a developed country like Austria provide 350 kW, and Spain, for example, is already preparing to launch stations with up to 1.2 mW.
Is Austria part of your plans?
Yes. Siemens is preparing to implement the first part of a project to build a network of charging stations for electric cars near popular supermarkets. In the nearest future, 12 stations will be built. Each station will be equipped with eight refuelling units with a capacity of 300 kW each. Given our partnership with Siemens – we have previously purchased charging stations from them for Ukraine – we have received a proposal for the purchase of two such facilities in Austria. By the way, we are launching a similar project in Kiev and the first stations are being installed right now.
Let’s return to more general processes. Is working with foreign companies, attracting foreign capital, and Western financial aid just a new opportunity for Ukrainian business or is there a danger of a potential foreign dominance?
In the pre-war period, nobody was afraid of giants like Philip Morris, KNAUF, Ceresit and many other foreign companies in Ukraine. The situation is the same in Austria – you have a significant number of foreigners working there, Turks, Slovaks, Hungarians. With a competent regulatory policy the state is able to guarantee protection of its interests. And as for attracting foreign capital, I think that the presence of foreign investment is the guarantee of stability and peace. This is a guarantee that at a difficult moment Ukraine will receive help.
In your opinion, what could Austrian companies offer for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine? Do you know anything about Austrian investors willing to take part in it?
Austria is in a unique situation. Figuratively speaking, it does not have to invent a bicycle. There are at least several sectors in which Austria has traditionally taken the lead in the world and has been successful in Ukraine for many years. First and foremost, it is the insurance business, financial services and investment activities. Austria is the 6th largest foreign direct investor in Ukraine for a good reason. The abovementioned sectors are a good niche prospect for participation in post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. Attracting Austrian capital at interest rates that will be convenient for both Austrian bankers and Ukrainian industrialists will not only speed up economic recovery, but also lead to synergies that will enable earning for all participants in the process.
ХХХ
P.S. As this article was going to be published, it became known that the Austrian government had adopted an amendment to the Law on the Employment of Foreigners. According to the approved amendments, Ukrainian citizens who entered Austria after the war began have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market. The decision of the Austrian parliament proves once again that competition for the right to keep Ukrainians has already begun. And the fact that even neutral and well-off Austria is resorting to such measures shows that Ukraine will have to look for serious economic incentives to get Ukrainians to return home.
MDM (Mobile Device Management) is a critical tool for businesses today. With the increasing use of mobile devices in the workplace, MDM provides a comprehensive solution for managing and securing these devices, ensuring their security and protecting critical data.
Enhanced security
Mobile Device Management (MDM) allows businesses to improve the security of their mobile devices while also protecting sensitive data and complying with data protection regulations. MDM solutions provide IT administrators with tools for monitoring and managing mobile devices, such as remote lock and wipe, encryption, device inventory, application control, and even GPS location tracking.
Businesses can protect themselves from data theft, unauthorized access, malicious apps, and other cyber security threats by securing their devices with MDM. With the increasing number of connected devices in today’s organizations, an effective MDM strategy is required to protect corporate data. An MDM solution helps ensure that all devices are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches and that only approved applications are used on company-owned devices. This reduces the risk of malicious attacks while also assisting businesses in remaining compliant with data protection regulations.
Increased productivity
Mobile Device Management (MDM) can significantly increase the productivity of businesses and their employees. MDM allows users to access corporate data and applications from any device, enabling flexible and efficient work. MDM also assists users in keeping their corporate data secure by keeping confidential data private and preventing unauthorized access.
By using MDM, businesses can ensure that employees are able to work from anywhere and at any time, making it easier to collaborate with colleagues or access important documents on-the-go. MDM also enhances the user experience by enabling remote technical support and the rapid deployment of software updates or new applications. This means that users don’t have to wait for help desk personnel to be available in order to get their questions answered or problems solved.
MDM can also help to streamline business processes such as inventory management, employee attendance tracking, and sales performance monitoring. Businesses can better manage their day-to-day operations and make informed decisions more quickly and easily if all of this information is readily available. With MDM, businesses can make sure that their data is secure while also maximizing employee efficiency and productivity.
Improved customer service
With mobile device management, businesses can provide better customer service with improved response times. MDM enables IT administrators to quickly identify and resolve any technical issues encountered by customers. Companies can also use MDM to more easily deploy customer-specific applications and settings to individual devices, ensuring that customer interactions are as efficient and seamless as possible. Furthermore, MDM ensures that customer data is kept secure, giving customers peace of mind. Furthermore, MDM makes it simple for businesses to track device usage, allowing them to make more informed decisions about when to upgrade or replace existing devices. All of these factors work together to provide a better customer experience, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Whether you’re a business looking for an effective business strategy, upping your content creation game to draw in larger audiences, or tied to a specific niche, hiring one of the top creative agencies in London can never do you wrong.
If you want to make your campaign stand out and be delivered at a high standard, continue reading this article about the top creative agency in London, like Parable Works.
What Is A Top Creative Agency In London?
So you must be wondering, what is a top creative agency in London? Well, to put it simply, it’s a type of agency that offers businesses different creative services, such as branding, design, and other various digital marketing services, but at the highest quality.
In order for businesses to succeed long-term, they need to have good marketing campaigns that are created and implemented effectively. The best way to do this is through a top creative agency in London, where they can focus on the most important elements in advertising.
Increasing brand awareness and showcasing products in the best possible light that businesses wish to advertise is one of the main jobs a creative agency in London does. But the whole point of a top creative agency in London is to be the best possible and provide businesses with the best possible experience.
A top creative agency’s whole purpose in London is to ensure that businesses, companies, brands, and industries succeed with their advertising and campaign goals in the best way possible.
How Much Do Top Creative Agencies Charge In London?
How much top creative agencies in London charge, like Parable Works, depends entirely on the services that you’re requesting from them, the location, whether it requires a venue, the budget you have, and what’s realistic, as well as the expertise the agency has.
Before getting into the details of how much agencies charge for their services, it’s important to note that some creative agencies charge for fee-based fixed projects, with the estimated time and resources required to complete the project.
That said, the hourly rate for less experienced agencies and staff is around £75 to £150 per hour for their basic common services. On the other hand, more experienced and advanced agencies are £200 to £500 per hour. There is a chance that the cost will be less or more expensive, depending on the type of services or request you want from the top creative agency.
What Services Does The Top Creative Agency In London Offer?
Top creative agencies in London provide many different services to their clients and other related businesses that hire them. The following points will discuss the main services that are carried out through these types of agencies, but at a higher and more professional level, and what it means for businesses and their corporate payroll services.
Project and Campaign Planning
There are a lot of elements that come into project and campaign planning, and in terms of how you can get all the best knowledge and know what works, what doesn’t, and top creative agencies in London know exactly what works and what doesn’t.
Their scope of services includes evaluating the campaign and its current and future effectiveness, how to improve it, charting the methods used, Influence, and brand strategy.
Filmmaking
For advertisements like tv ads or internet adverts, anything that involves a video or small film that lasts 1-5 minutes or less (the shorter, the better for better viewer engagement), filmmaking skills are very much necessary to reach audiences effectively.
Hiring a top creative agency in London, like Parable Works, allows experts to take your campaign and overall advertisement to the next level with all the needed equipment and strategy planning.
Corporate Events
Suppose you are an organisation with an upcoming corporate or business event. Regardless of whether it is formal or not, you’d want the best for it, which is why creative agencies allow room for improvement.
The planning it takes for events such as these to go smoothly takes a lot of effort, so having a creative agency to take the stress off for you while also dealing with communications can be a major stress relief and the saviour of your event campaign.
Media Partnerships & Social Media
Forming connections can be one of the hardest things to do independently, and sometimes people and businesses won’t be as willing to help if it doesn’t benefit them or you don’t know the right people.
The number of connections and relationships developed and built thanks to the help of the top creative agencies in London is outstandingly limitless. You can be sure that they will be long-lasting and very beneficial.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, many great elements come with hiring top creative agencies in London, like Parable Works, especially over just regular ones. There’s simply more they have to offer businesses and individuals with high-quality brand strategy and content creation.
Bitcoin 
Ethereum 
Tether 
XRP 
BNB 
Solana 
USDC 
Cardano 
TRON 
Lido Staked Ether 
Avalanche 
Toncoin